The Cacao Tree of Life

Cacao Creation Myth, Mayan and Aztec Cacao Wisdom and Evolution of a Sacred Plant

"It is a mysterious product, rendered sacred, but for reasons never clearly stated ... Linked to the earth and the cyclical nature of human life, it both mediates and transcends relationships between humans and the forces that animate the earth” ~ Prufer and Hurst 2007

Picture source unknown, probably mayan

I mostly write about how to harness the subtle yet powerful effects of ceremonial grade cacao for our modern day to day life and how to integrate spiritual practices in a way that fosters authentic relating with oneself, other people and ones environment.

Today I will share about the cacao tree itself, its environment, myth and impact.

Not only is the cacao tree central to numerous Mesoamerican civilisations, its status is divine. Respected, revered and represented in physical, economical and spiritual uses, cacao is at the centre of creation - literally as we will see further down.

I heard my Mother call to me
and went out
into the greenwood.
I heard her voice
in the whispering
of the leaves.
Up, I looked,
into the green-roof;
shadows and light
mingling together.
I saw my Mother’s face
smiling down upon me and knelt,
her arms encircling me,
holding me close.
I felt her strength flow
into my hurt places,
mending my brokenness;
healing my woundedness.
I lay for a time between firm roots
and felt the burning in my flesh
cooled; eased.
I rose, able to return to the house
and carry on.
I will not forget my Mother,
who came to me there
in the greenwood,
within the tree of life.

~ Rebekah Myers, Tree of Life

What Rebekah Myers so beautifully writes could be the description of sitting with a warm cup of ceremonial cacao. It is as if the essence of the forest, and the motherly spirit of the tree of life is transmitted with every sip we take. Even just the smell makes our nervous system feel safe and our heart jump in excitement and awe.

No wonder: Cacao has been used for spiritual practices and ceremonies for millennia! The oldest ritualistic findings of cacao date back a good 5700 years and are only the most recent research, there is reason to believe that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Rites of passages including cacao celebrate birth, death and rebirth. Cacao is exchanged as currency, offered as gift, served for nourishment, used as a sacrifice and in combination with psychedelic plants. This also brings me to the various preparation methods of cacao, sometimes sweetened with flower nectar or made into a concoction with spices and herbs. Mostly though it was enjoyed bitter, as the drink “chocolhaa” literally translates to bitter water. The Aztecs called it “Xocolatl.” From those words eventually evolved the word “chocolate.” Which not only made sure that its effect is more direct and strong but also most beneficial for our human bodies: particularly our gut and liver. Always highlighted is the froth that is produced through pouring the drink from one vessel to another or using a wooden whisk.

Cacao served to an Aztec couple on their wedding day. Source: National Geographic NOTE THE FROTH COMING FROM THE CUP! Here is a video on how to craft frothy cacao drinks.

Creation Myth and the Cacao Tree

[The god Heart of Sky] selected from nature water and earth and wood and maize and cacao and numerous fruits large and small, and he fashioned yet another being. And this time, glory be on high, it worked. “Eureeka!” exclaimed Heart Of Sky, in the kind of loud, intimidating and thunderous voice that only the creator can possess. Not only did the creature stay together, but it grew and thrived. And best of all, when Heart Of Sky commanded the creature to praise him, it did.

And so it came to pass that cacao was one of the essential materials used by the god of all gods to create human beings. And as is only right for a plant of such importance to our very being, cacao was held in the utmost esteem from that day onward. 

Source text: http://www.medicinehunter.com/cocoa-and-the-creation

Both Mayan and Aztec creation myths describe the creating of humans through a combination of foods which include cacao. Human mankind in the indigenous cosmovision is made of cacao and cacao is also often linked with blood, either from gods who mix theirs with cacao or sacrificial blood from ones body as offering to the gods.

Gods cutting their ears and bleeding onto cacao pods, Source: Maya Codices

The Mayan words “Ka'kau” meaning heart blood shows us another connection between blood and cacao but more so the sacred relationship between cacao and the heart. It is not only a cardiovascular stimulant and literally raises the heart beat but also contributes to our capacity to feel love considering the amount of literal Love- and Bliss Chemicals running through our veins after drinking cacao.

“The mythology surrounding cacao seems to always revolve around regaining the human heart connection to Mother Nature” ~ David Wolfe

How does cacao grow and interact with its environment including other plants, insects, animals and humans?
What changed when the colonisers interfered with indigenous practices and brought cacao to other lands, harnessing its beans for profit?

Read on with a contribution to my work.